Hearing dysfunction in Congenitally Hypothyroid Patients

Abstract

ongenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common endocrine disorder in children with an estimated prevalence of 1:2000–1:4000 live births. The thyroid hormones are essential for the development of the inner as well as the middle ear. Genetic studies in animal models indicate a relationship between thyroid hormones and auditory system development. The risk of hearing impairment is thus increased in CH. The association between CH and hearing impairment has indeed been recognized for a long time. We aimed to determine the rate of hearing dysfunction in children with congenital hypothyroidism. Also to determine its relation with factors such as congenital hypothyroidism severity and age at starting of treatment. The present cross sectional study was done at Endocrinology Specialized Clinic, Children’s hospital, Ain-Shams University to determine the rate of occurrence of Hearing dysfunction in children with congenital hypothyroidism in comparison to a control group. It included 30 children (diagnosed as congenital hypothyroidism) and 30 apparently healthy age- and sex- matched children (serving as a